Fame professor of mythological studies Joseph Campbell has written many scholarly works on the definition of the hero. While this usually applies to those heroes in folk lore and by extension to comics, television and film many of the principles apply to the lives of regular people. We are all the heroes in that dramatic comedy that is called our lives. Some films have taken this premise to the logical conclusion and focused on an average man has he attempts to navigate life. One of the founding precepts of Campbell’s work is the hero’s journey. The budding hero must leave his familiar surroundings and go out in the world to learn the lessons that are vital to his growth as a person. In a story like this nothing that is usually considered heroic has to occur. It is the journey that is important and how thee protagonist reacts. Many films have taken this tack in telling a story. Usually it is called a coming of age tale or a road movie but the concepts are a normalization of many of the myths that have been told throughout history. One of the latest to endeavor to use this technique is ‘Humboldt Country’ by Darren Grodsky and Danny Jacobs. It is admittedly not a perfect film but there is potential here and underneath it all a true heart. The film is something that would not make it as a major theatrical release; it lacks the sizzle that most audiences demand. Fortunately there is a great world of independent films out there and distributors like Magnolia Home Entertainment have carved out a niche bringing movies like this to a wider audience. This is what Indy films are all about. You gather a group of people together who care about their art and make a movie. While is not as polished as a Hollywood flick there is a certain charm to the roughness of the production. The film had a very limited theatrical release so the first most have heard about this movie will be the DVD edition. This is one of those films that may not be a critical hit but is able to reach the audience on a personal and emotional level.

As is the case in many Indy movies Darren Grodsky and Danny Jacobs wrote and directed this film. This is their first time in both of these professions although both men have appeared in front of the camera before. The story starts out slowly giving and does give the feeling that this is going to be another overly melodramatic collection of clichés. What really works here is how the story then moves organically into something much deeper and realistic. It seems to say to the audience that we all have lives that seem routine and boring but it is up to us to change that pathway. Peter (Jeremy Strong) is a medical student who finds himself at a crossroad in his life. He is failing out of school and unable to advance in his profession as he had hope. He meets a free spirited young woman, Bogart (Fairuza Balk) who introduces Peter to a world of freedom he never imagined. For many of us we have encountered a person so unlike ourselves that their effect upon our lives is profound and last forever. This is the core of this story; breaking free from the limitations in our lives imposed by ourselves and our circumstances. There is also another theme present here that is classic; a young man breaking away from the expectations and influence of his father. In classic literature and mythology it is only when the hero is able to take that step away from what they have always known and journey out into the world that they can begin to realize their own true potential. There is just something that is likable about how these men weave their story. It pulls you in because the characters are relatable to the audience. The character development, especially of Peter, is entertaining to watch.

As first time directors this pair has made a few technical missteps that they are certain to improve upon with subsequent works. While it understandable why the story starts off so slowly it is able to grab the audience right away. This is another reason why this movie could only have been made in the independent film circuit. Fans of Indy films tend to have a longer attention span than the people who want a lot of explosions and fast pacing in their movies. This is a reflection of a man’s life and often that needs to be slow moving. It is like preparing a meal. Most of us will be satisfied with a quick burger at a fast food joint and there is a definite place in our lives for that. When it comes to preparing something intended for a more leisurely enjoyment the ingredients have too have time to simmer and blend in order to bring out their potential. This is a film that combines character and situation drives. It places a basically reasonable man in a situation where he is ungrounded and forces him to adapt and grow.

Peter has just failed a major examine in medical school. Peter’s teacher is quick to point out that he has absolutely no talent when it comes to interacting with his patients. Now Peter has to face the reality that the residency he required is not going to happen. More than a personal disappointment this failure will reaffirm his lack of worth to his demanding father, Hadley (Peter Bogdanovich). It is bad enough to have a father that is so overbearing but it turns out that dad is also one of his teachers. Peter is almost catatonic with the news. He goes out more to pass the time than anything else and meets Bogart. She is a uninhibited young woman who after a brief flirtation with Peter has sex with him. Bogart invites him back to her family home and since he has nothing there to hold him agrees. They venture off to the titular county where Peter is introduced to Bogart’s extended family. They are all stuck in the sixties hippy days and make a living of sorts growing pot. The very presence of an illegal substance initially freaks out the straight arrow Peter. The ad hoc head of the community is a former physics professor, Jack (Brad Dourif). Ostensibly he is still working on his theories but there is little evidence of any progress being made. Jack’s partner in this is Rosie (Frances Conroy), a flower child that never grew up. She has a son, Max (Chris Messina), who hopes to make a big score with a secret pot growing formula. He hopes to make enough to take his girlfriend Charity (Madison Davenport), back to the real world.

This film has an amazingly talented cast. Dourif has been a staple in the horror and science fiction community and recently did a three year run on the late but great HBO western, ‘Deadwood’. Absolutely no one does a quirky role like he does. He is so committed to his character that you can hardly tell he is acting. Another HBO alumnus is Ms Conroy. She played the mother on ‘Six Feet Under’ and brings the same screen presence to bear here. She is fantastic in her role. Strong underplays his part which works out well for the audience. There is a great contrast set between the two professors here. The uptight and demanding Hedley juxtaposed with the laid back and nearly insane Jack. This visually represents the two worlds Peter is caught between.

This is a film that you will enjoy and want to watch many times. Magnolia is excellent in finding little Indy gems like this so take advantage of this opportunity.